French Phrase
C'est une fête d'anniversaire.
Meaning
This sentence states that something is a birthday party. It can refer to an event organized to celebrate someone's birthday, not just the cake or gifts.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to describe or announce a birthday celebration, whether you’re inviting someone, explaining what’s happening, or confirming the nature of an event.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estunefêted'anniversaire.
C'est
Contraction of "ce" + "est" meaning "it is"; used before a noun or adjective.
une
Indefinite feminine article, agrees with the feminine noun "fête".
fête
Feminine noun meaning "party" or "celebration".
d'
Elision of the preposition "de" before a vowel; here it links "fête" to "anniversaire".
anniversaire
Masculine noun meaning "birthday"; used without article after "de".
🗨In Conversation
C'est une fête d'anniversaire ce soir chez moi.
It's a birthday party tonight at my place.
Super! J'apporterai un gâteau.
Great! I'll bring a cake.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est un fête d'anniversaire.
"Fête" is feminine, so the article must be "une".
C'est une fête d'anniversaires.
The noun "anniversaire" stays singular after "de"; adding an "s" is incorrect.
C'est une fête d'anniversairees.
Avoid adding extra endings; "anniversaire" already ends with -e.
↔Alternatives
C'est une soirée d'anniversaire.
It's a birthday evening/party.
C'est une célébration d'anniversaire.
It's a birthday celebration.
C'est un anniversaire.
It's a birthday.
Cultural Tip
In France, birthday parties often start with the singing of "Joyeux anniversaire" and the blowing out of candles on a "gâteau" (cake). "Fête" can be formal (a banquet) or informal (a small gathering), so the tone of your invitation may change the word you choose. Also, French speakers usually bring a small gift or a bottle of wine unless the host says otherwise.